Detroit Lions making a mistake by ignoring Larry Foote

AP PhotoLarry Foote is confused about why the Lions aren't interested in signing himLast season Larry Foote took a chance and bet on himself by signing a 1-year deal with the Lions. The former Detroit Pershing and Michigan linebacker had a desire to prove that the Pittsburgh Steelers gave up on him too soon, and he wanted to do it in his home state.

Foote had a pretty good season. Despite missing the last two games he led the Lions with 99 tackles, the second highest total in his career. He wasn't flashy and he had some growing pains adapting to Detroit's 4-3 defense after playing the 3-4 in Pittsburgh, but he did his job very well.

He also brought some much-needed leadership to a defense that has been sailing without a rudder the last few seasons. Heck, he became a team captain almost immediately.

He took it upon himself to mentor rookie DeAndre Levy. Many veterans would protect their job security and let the kid figure it out on his own, but not Larry Foote. The result? Levy's speedy development may have made Foote expendable in the eyes of GM Martin Mayhew.

Foote claims that he wants to remain in Detroit with a multi-year deal. Foote however says the talks with Mayhew have not gone well, and he is not a priority for the team.

This is the exact opposite as it should be.

Foote isn't a Pro Bowler, but he is a quality player who actually wants to play for the Lions. I can't think of another player out there that would fit that description unless the team was willing to overpay for him. Foote says he only wants a modest increase from the $1.5-million he made last season.

Levy has a chance to be a good middle linebacker, but he's not there yet. Keeping Foote around to compete for the job and push Levy can only make the young man better. Even if Foote can't win the job, he would still add depth to one of the team's weakest units.

From a perception standpoint, it also makes sense to sign Foote.

Detroit is not currently a destination for free agents, but it could be. The Lions have a great home stadium, wonderful practice facilities, and a die-hard fan base that will forever love the players who can eventually bring the franchise back to respectability. Turning their back on a hometown player who wants to be here is not a good way to change the image that the Lions are a second-class organization.

When you have a good player on your roster that is a positive force on the field and in the locker room and isn't a huge drain on your salary cap, you keep him around. Period.